We have listed some common dental and vision topics below. Just click on the topic to learn more. We have also listed dental procedures along with their American Dental Association (ADA) codes for your reference. These definitions provide more information about the dental procedures and costs listed on the site.
Current Dental Terminology © 2004 American Dental Association. All
rights reserved.
ADA Code [ A ] Procedures
5650
5411
5410
5422
5421
7320
7310
2161
2140
2160
2150
9230
3310
3410
add tooth to existing partial denture
A procedure in which a tooth is added to an existing partial denture.
adjust complete denture – mandibular
An adjustment to a denture, which replaces all of the teeth of the lower jaw.
adjust complete denture – maxillary
An adjustment to a denture, which replaces all of the teeth of the upper jaw.
adjust partial denture – mandibular
An adjustment to a denture, which replaces some of the teeth of the lower jaw.
adjust partial denture – maxillary
An adjustment to a denture, which replaces some of the teeth of the upper jaw.
alveoloplasty not in conjunction with extractions – per quadrant
Alveoloplasty is when the bone in the mouth is surgically smoothed and prepared, usually so that dentures can be placed. This code is used when alveoloplasty is not performed in combination with extractions.
alveoloplasty in conjunction with extractions – per quadrant
Alveoloplasty is when the bone in the mouth is surgically smoothed and prepared, usually so that dentures can be placed. This code is used when alveoloplasty is performed in combination with extractions.
amalgam – four or more surfaces, primary or permanent
Also referred to as a silver filling, this material is commonly utilized to fill cavities, as well as in other dental techniques. It is a combination of mercury (45-50%) and a tin, copper, and silver alloy. This ADA code refers to four or more surfaces.
amalgam – one surface, primary or permanent
Also referred to as a silver filling, this material is commonly utilized to fill cavities, as well as in other dental techniques. It is a combination of mercury (45-50%) and a tin, copper, and silver alloy. This ADA code refers to one surface.
amalgam – three surfaces, primary or permanent
Also referred to as a silver filling, this material is commonly utilized to fill cavities, as well as in other dental techniques. It is a combination of mercury (45-50%) and a tin, copper, and silver alloy. This ADA code refers to three surfaces.
amalgam – two surfaces, primary or permanent
Also referred to as a silver filling, this material is commonly utilized to fill cavities, as well as in other dental techniques. It is a combination of mercury (45-50%) and a tin, copper, and silver alloy. This ADA code refers to two surfaces.
analgesia anxiolysis inhalation of nitrous oxide
Prior to dental treatment, the patient inhales nitrous oxide and oxygen, which lowers anxiety and sensitivity to pain without causing a loss of consciousness.
anterior endodontic (or root canal) therapy – excluding final restoration
Root canal therapy, which addresses problems with the dental pulp, the soft tissue surrounding the tooth. First, the crown of the tooth is removed. The dentist then restores the soft tissue by removing damaged areas and cleaning, enlarging, and shaping the tissue to create an optimal surface that can be filled with a filler. A new crown is then placed on top. Several visits may be required for the procedure. This code indicates root canal therapy on anterior teeth, the teeth located near the front of the mouth (lower and upper incisors and canines)
apicoectomy/periradicular surgery – anterior
Surgery on the root of an anterior tooth. Placement of retrograde filling material is not included in this ADA code.
Back
to Top
ADA Code [ B ] Procedures
3320
270
274
272
bicuspid endodontic (or root canal) therapy – excluding final restoration
Root canal therapy, which addresses problems with the dental pulp, the soft tissue surrounding the tooth. First, the crown of the tooth is removed. The dentist then restores the soft tissue by removing damaged areas and cleaning, enlarging, and shaping the tissue to create an optimal surface that can be filled with a filler. A new crown is then placed on top. Several visits may be required for the procedure. This code indicates root canal therapy on a bicuspid, a premolar tooth or a tooth with two cusps.
bitewing – single film
X-rays of the crowns of teeth used to determine whether decay exists. This code refers to one film.
bitewings – four films
X-rays of the crowns of teeth used to determine whether decay exists. This code refers to four films.
bitewings – two films
X-rays of the crowns of teeth used to determine whether decay exists. This code refers to two films.
Back
to Top
ADA Code [ C ] Procedures
150
180
5120
5110
9310
2950
2790
2792
2791
2751
6751
2750
2752
6752
2740
6790
6792
6791
6750
comprehensive oral evaluation – new/established patient
A thorough evaluation and recording of the hard and soft tissues inside and outside of the mouth, including the evaluation and recording of the patient's dental history.
comprehensive periodontal evaluation – new/established patient
An evaluation of periodontal conditions, probing and charting, evaluation, and recording of the patient's dental history
complete denture mandibular
Placement of a synthetic substitute for teeth of the lower jaw and their adjoining tissue.
complete denture maxillary
Placement of a synthetic substitute for teeth of the upper jaw and their adjoining tissue.
consultation (diagnostic service provided by dentist or physician other than practitioner providing treatment)
Service given by a dentist or dental specialist in which another dentist, doctor, or source had requested input regarding a specific dental issue. Diagnostic procedures or treatment may be initiated.
core buildup, including any pins
The building up of anatomical crown during the placement of a restorative crown. A material is put in the tooth to prepare for a crown when there is not enough tooth retention and strength for the crown. Pins may or may not be used.
crown – full cast high noble metal
A restoration that covers or takes the place of most or all of a tooth's clinical crown (the part of a tooth that supporting tissues do not cover) and in which the alloy has the following metal content: gold, palladium, and/or platinum equal to or greater than 60% with at least 40% gold.
crown – full cast noble metal
A restoration that covers or takes the place of most or all of a tooth's clinical crown (the part of a tooth that supporting tissues do not cover) and in which the alloy has the following metal content: gold, palladium, and/or platinum equal to or greater than 25%.
crown – full cast predominantly base metal
A restoration that covers or takes the place of most or all of a tooth's clinical crown (the part of a tooth that supporting tissues do not cover) and in which the alloy has the following metal content: gold, palladium, and/or platinum less than 25%.
crown – porcelain fused to predominantly base metal
A restoration that covers or takes the place of most or all of a tooth's clinical crown (the part of a tooth that supporting tissues do not cover) and which contains porcelain fused to predominantly base metal. The designation of predominantly base metal indicates that the alloy has the following metal content: gold, palladium, and/or platinum less than 25%.
crown – porcelain fused to predominantly base metal
A restoration that covers or takes the place of most or all of a tooth's clinical crown (the part of a tooth that supporting tissues do not cover) and which contains porcelain fused to predominantly base metal. The designation of predominantly base metal indicates that the alloy has the following metal content: gold, palladium, and/or platinum less than 25%. This code refers to fixed partial dental retainers.
crown – porcelain fused to high noble metal
A restoration that covers or takes the place of most or all of a tooth's clinical crown (the part of a tooth that supporting tissues do not cover) and which contains porcelain fused to high noble metal. The designation of high noble metal indicates that the alloy has the following metal content: gold, palladium, and/or platinum equal to or greater than 60% with at least 40% gold.
crown – porcelain fused to noble metal
A restoration that covers or takes the place of most or all of a tooth's clinical crown (the part of a tooth that supporting tissues do not cover) and which contains porcelain fused to noble metal. The designation of noble metal indicates that the alloy has the following metal content: gold, palladium, and/or platinum equal to or greater than 25%.
crown – porcelain fused to noble metal
A restoration that covers or takes the place of most or all of a tooth's clinical crown (the part of a tooth that supporting tissues do not cover) and which contains porcelain fused to noble metal. The designation of noble metal indicates that the alloy has the following metal content: gold, palladium, and/or platinum equal to or greater than 25%. This code refers to fixed partial dental retainers.
crown – porcelain/ceramic substrate
A restoration that covers or takes the place of most or all of a tooth's clinical crown (the part of a tooth that supporting tissues do not cover). This ADA code refers to a porcelain/ceramic substrate.
crown – full cast high noble metal - denture
A restoration that covers or takes the place of most or all of a tooth's clinical crown (the part of a tooth that supporting tissues do not cover) and in which the alloy has the following metal content: gold, palladium, and/or platinum equal to or greater than 60% with at least 40% gold. This code refers to fixed partial dental retainers.
crown – full cast noble metal - denture
A restoration that covers or takes the place of most or all of a tooth's clinical crown (the part of a tooth that supporting tissues do not cover) and in which the alloy has the following metal content: gold, palladium, and/or platinum equal to or greater than 25%. This code refers to fixed partial dental retainers.
crown – full cast predominantly base metal - denture
A restoration that covers or takes the place of most or all of a tooth's clinical crown (the part of a tooth that supporting tissues do not cover) and in which the alloy has the following metal content: gold, palladium, and/or platinum less than 25%. This code refers to fixed partial dental retainers.
crown – porcelain fused to high noble metal - denture
A restoration that covers or takes the place of most or all of a tooth's clinical crown (the part of a tooth that supporting tissues do not cover) and which contains porcelain fused to high noble metal. The designation of high noble metal indicates that the alloy has the following metal content: gold, palladium, and/or platinum equal to or greater than 60% with at least 40% gold. This code refers to fixed partial dental retainers.
Back
to Top
ADA Code [ D ] Procedures
470
160
diagnostic casts
Diagnostic or study models.
detailed and extensive oral evaluation – problem focused, by report
A thorough evaluation, which is performed based on the results of a comprehensive oral evaluation. It is problem focused and uses advanced diagnostic tools to formulate treatment plans.
Back
to Top
ADA Code [ E ] Procedures
7111
7140
Extraction coronal remnants – deciduous tooth
Extracting the remnants of the crown of a tooth that is shedding or falling off. Soft tissue-retained remnants are included. Also included (if needed) are local anesthesia, suturing, and routine postoperative care.
extraction, erupted tooth or exposed root (elevation and/or forceps removal)
The removal of a tooth or of the exposed root of a tooth. This code includes tooth structure removal and, if necessary, closure of the site.
